Braves RF Heyward out after appendectomy

Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward is expected to miss at least five games recovering from an appendectomy. He required surgery Monday at Rose Medical Center in Denver.

The Braves, whose game against the Colorado Rockies was postponed due to snow, didn't provide details on the surgery.

Heyward, 23, is off to a slow start, batting .121 with two home runs and five RBIs. Reed Johnson was expected to fill Heyward's spot in right field but could share time with Jordan Schafer. Justin Upton, who played right field for the Arizona Diamondbacks, could be moved from left field with the Braves scheduled for a doubleheader Tuesday at Colorado.

Matt Holliday of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox slugger Adam Dunn were able to return within 10 days of having laparscopic appendectomies.